A significant controversy has arisen in Bihar after two Pakistani women were discovered on the Bhagalpur voter list. The women, who allegedly arrived in India seven decades ago, came to light during a Ministry of Home Affairs verification aimed at identifying foreign nationals. Imrana Khanam (Imrana Khatoon) and Firdousia Khanam were issued voter ID cards, and their details were even validated during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) for the 2025 assembly elections.
The BLO in charge of verification stated they received notification from the election department based on a Home Ministry communication dated August 11.
Firdousia entered India on January 19, 1956, with a three-month visa, while Imrana’s visa allowed her stay for three years. The Bhagalpur district administration is taking action, issuing notices requiring the women to provide supporting documents. Both women live in the Bhikanpur Gumti No. 3 Tank Lane area, under the jurisdiction of the Ishakchak police station.
In Imrana Khatoon’s case, Farzana Khatoon received the administrative order, and the process of removing Imrana’s name has started. The BLO mentioned that Imrana was unable to speak due to her old age and illness, but the officer followed departmental protocol in verifying the passport details and initiating the deletion process. The passport was from 1956, and the visa was issued in 1958. The next stage of investigation will be carried out by the relevant department.
Bihar conducted a Special Intensive Revision of the voter list in July prior to the upcoming assembly elections. The Election Commission of India reported that forms were received from 7.24 crore voters out of 7.89 crore registered voters in Bihar as of June 24.